Mixed Deck — All CLT Topics Flashcards

Which element is NOT typically required on a laboratory specimen label?

Answer: Technologist's home address

A technologist's home address is never required; labels must include patient identifiers, collection date/time, and specimen ID.

What should a clinical laboratory technologist do in case of a spill or contamination?

Answer: Follow safety protocols, clean the spill, and notify the supervisor

In the event of a spill or contamination, a clinical laboratory technologist must immediately follow established safety protocols. This includes containing and cleaning the spill using appropriate materials and techniques to prevent further spread of hazardous substances or infectious agents. Promptly notifying a supervisor is also critical for ensuring proper documentation, assessing potential risks, and implementing any necessary corrective actions to maintain a safe working environment.

What documentation is required when equipment is replaced or upgraded?

Answer: Asset tracking records, disposal documentation, and updated operating procedures

Proper documentation of replacements includes asset tracking, disposal records, and updated procedures to maintain compliance and ensure staff are trained on new equipment.

A laboratory director reviews a delta check flag on a patient's sodium result. Delta checks are used primarily to:

Answer: Detect specimen identification errors and analytical errors

Delta checks compare a patient's current result to a previous result and flag unexpected changes that may indicate specimen mix-up or analytic error.

A co-oximeter in the blood gas laboratory requires a reference solution check. The purpose of this check is to:

Answer: Verify the wavelength accuracy for multi-wavelength hemoglobin measurements

Co-oximeters use multiple wavelengths to distinguish oxyhemoglobin, deoxyhemoglobin, carboxyhemoglobin, and methemoglobin; reference solution checks verify wavelength calibration.

A laboratory's Levey-Jennings chart shows 6 consecutive QC values all falling on the same side of the mean. Which Westgard rule is violated?

Answer: 10x rule

The 10x rule is triggered when 10 consecutive QC values fall on the same side of the mean, indicating a systematic shift; 6 consecutive points triggers the 6x warning rule.

What does glucosuria (glucose in urine) detected by dipstick most commonly indicate?

Answer: Diabetes mellitus with blood glucose exceeding renal threshold

Glucosuria occurs when blood glucose exceeds the renal threshold (~180 mg/dL), causing glucose to spill into the urine, most commonly seen in poorly controlled diabetes mellitus.

When performing a Coulter principle cell counter QC check, which parameter most directly reflects RBC volume distribution?

Answer: RDW

RDW (Red Cell Distribution Width) directly measures the variability in RBC volume, making it the key parameter for assessing RBC volume distribution on Coulter principle analyzers.

Why is it important to conduct regular safety audits in the laboratory?

Answer: To identify hazards, improve safety protocols, and ensure compliance

Regular safety audits are a proactive measure to systematically evaluate the laboratory's safety program and identify potential risks or deficiencies. These audits help ensure that safety protocols are effective, staff are adhering to procedures, and the laboratory remains compliant with all relevant health and safety regulations. This continuous review process fosters a safer working environment and prevents accidents.

Which organization publishes the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) EP15-A3 document, used for verifying precision and bias?

Answer: CLSI

CLSI (Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute) publishes EP15-A3, which provides protocols for user verification of precision and bias.

A diabetic patient has a fasting blood glucose of 52 mg/dL and is unconscious. What is the FIRST-LINE treatment?

Answer: IV 50% dextrose (D50W)

In an unconscious hypoglycemic patient unable to take oral glucose, IV dextrose (D50W) is the immediate treatment of choice.

What is a 'delta check' in laboratory documentation?

Answer: A comparison of a current result with a previous result for the same patient to flag unexpected changes

A delta check compares a patient's current result with their prior result to detect clinically unlikely changes that may indicate an error.

Which of the following would be the best action when a reagent blank (reagent with no sample) reads higher absorbance than expected on a spectrophotometer?

Answer: Investigate the reagents for contamination or degradation

An unexpectedly high reagent blank suggests reagent contamination, wrong reagent preparation, or reagent degradation, all of which require investigation before reporting.

Which record must be maintained to demonstrate that a laboratory's reference intervals are appropriate for its patient population?

Answer: Reference interval validation records

Reference interval validation records document that normal ranges have been verified or established for the laboratory's specific patient population.

Why is continuing education important for maintaining ethical practice?

Answer: It ensures practitioners stay current with evolving standards and best practices

Continuing education ensures practitioners stay current with evolving standards, new research, and best practices, directly supporting ethical and competent practice.

What should be done immediately after a needlestick injury?

Answer: Wash the area, report the incident, and seek medical evaluation

Immediate wound care, incident reporting, and medical evaluation are essential after needlestick injuries to minimize infection risk and ensure proper follow-up.

The collecting duct's permeability to water is primarily regulated by which hormone?

Answer: Antidiuretic hormone (ADH)

ADH (vasopressin) inserts aquaporin-2 channels into collecting duct cells, increasing water reabsorption and concentrating urine.

What is the significance of a positive leukocyte esterase on a urine dipstick?

Answer: Suggests the presence of white blood cells (pyuria)

Leukocyte esterase is an enzyme released by lysed WBCs; a positive result indicates pyuria and suggests urinary tract infection or inflammation.

Which enzyme is most commonly measured to assess liver cell damage (hepatocellular injury)?

Answer: Alanine aminotransferase (ALT)

ALT is predominantly found in liver cells and is highly specific for hepatocellular injury, making it the primary marker for liver damage.

How should equipment cleaning products be selected?

Answer: Based on manufacturer recommendations and material compatibility

Manufacturer recommendations ensure cleaning products are compatible with equipment materials, preventing damage while achieving effective decontamination.